This chapter contains: secrets, forbidden love, manipulation, and social hierarchy tension. Reader discretion is advised.
The night air was thick with smoke and panic, the city lights swallowed by the orange glow of flames consuming the Hart family estate. Liam had barely reached the edge of the hall when the ceiling cracked above him, sending splinters raining down. His heart hammered, every beat screaming fear.
No one had been there to save him—except her.
Mia had come running through the chaos, ignoring the heat and the smoke, her lungs burning, hair singed at the edges. She had seen the boy trapped beneath the collapsed beam, eyes wide with terror. Without a second thought, she had pulled him free, shielding him with her own body as another wall tumbled dangerously close.
When Liam's eyes met hers through the haze of smoke, he saw only a stranger, a savior emerging from the flames. He had no idea that this girl, small but determined, had risked her life for him, leaving subtle marks she would hide for years.
Somewhere in the shadows, Ivy had watched the rescue unfold, her father whispering directions. The fire had been a plan, a scheme to manipulate the Hart fortune, and Ivy had played her role with chilling precision. She emerged after the flames died down, pretending to be the hero, tears in her eyes, carefully scarring her skin to sell the story.
Liam believed her.
He threw himself into Ivy's arms, trusting her completely. Mia vanished quietly into the night, unnoticed, unrecognized.
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Years later, Liam Hart, now CEO of Hart Group, moved through life with the confidence and charm of a man who had everything. His world revolved around Ivy—the woman he adored, the woman he believed had saved him. She was always by his side: at dinners, events, the office, the city… anywhere he went. And Liam's heart had no room for doubt, no whisper of the girl who had truly saved him.
Mia moved through the city like a ghost. Barista by day, silent observer by choice. She watched Liam from a distance, her heart aching every time she saw him with Ivy. She could have revealed the truth, shouted it from the rooftops—but she couldn't. Not yet. Not when danger still lingered in the shadows.
The café buzzed with the usual morning chaos—cups clinking, steam hissing, and the chatter of regulars. Mia stood behind the counter, gripping her notepad, trying to steady her hands. Her boss had already assigned her to the VIP table by the window.
Her eyes fell on the couple that had just entered—and her stomach dropped.
Liam Hart and Ivy…
It wasn't just a couple; it was a power couple.
Heads turned as they walked in. People whispered, stepping aside. Phones subtly appeared, cameras raised for a quick snapshot. Ivy, in a designer coat and sunglasses, carried herself like a queen. Even without smiling, her aura demanded attention. Liam, in a crisp suit, was the kind of man whose presence made the room pause—charisma effortless, confidence magnetic.
Ivy caught sight of the camera flashes from a fan who had dared to snap a photo. With a smile that could cut glass, she posed slightly, tilting her head, letting her fame shine. Many in the café recognized her as a celebrated actress, a multi-award winner—though few knew the awards had been carefully orchestrated behind the scenes by her father.
Mia's heart thumped painfully. Her notepad felt heavy in her hands. She came from nothing—barely scraping by, working hard every day, and here she was, assigned to serve royalty in the form of this perfect, untouchable couple.
"I… I can't…" she whispered, almost to herself. Refusal had crossed her mind, but the boss's sharp glare silenced it.
"You WILL take their order, Mia," her boss hissed, leaning close. "Or there will be consequences. Do I make myself clear?"
Mia swallowed the lump in her throat, nodded, and walked forward. Every step felt like it weighed a hundred pounds.
When she reached their table, Ivy's eyes sparkled with mischief. "Who brings this… trash to take our order?" she laughed, a sound that carried across the room.
Mia froze, fingers clutching the notepad. Liam, sensing the tension, gave Ivy a calm smile. "It's okay, place your orders. Let's not ruin our morning," he said softly, trying to soothe the scene.
Ivy's laughter tinkled like ice in a glass, sharp and mocking. "Are you always this clumsy, or is it special just for today?"
Mia's ears burned. Her cheeks flushed red. She had never felt so humiliated in her life. Hands trembling, she extended her hand to record their order, trying desperately to appear professional. Her pen shook so badly that the words wobbled on the page.
Ivy leaned back slightly, amused, watching her struggle. Liam's quiet patience didn't help Mia's humiliation; if anything, it emphasized how out of place she felt.
She could hear her colleagues snickering behind her. "Poor thing," one whispered. "Still can't believe she has to serve them."
Mia's jaw clenched. She wanted to run, to disappear, but she stayed. She forced herself to nod at each request, scribbling the order with trembling hands. Every laugh from Ivy cut a little deeper, every whispered remark from her coworkers added weight to her shame.
Yet beneath the humiliation, a spark ignited in Mia's chest. This wasn't just about serving coffee—it was about surviving the world that had always looked down on her. She straightened her shoulders, pressed a smile to her lips, and kept going.
Even as Ivy posed for another camera, flashing that perfect, untouchable smile, Mia's eyes followed Liam. Her chest ached, but she did not speak. She could not. Not yet.
The fire from years ago hadn't died. It simmered quietly inside her—smoldering, watching, waiting. And as she handed them the final cup of coffee, she whispered to herself, "One day… he will know."
The fire isn't over… 🔥 Follow and vote to see what happens next!
If you want more suspense and slow-burn romance, check out Laces & Lies. 💖